NEW ORLEANS, LA - AUGUST 17: A view of an official Wilson Sporting Goods "The Duke" football with a New Orleans Saints team logo is seen at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on August 17, 2018 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) Photo: Chris Graythen/Getty Images

Jalin Marshall, a Middletown star and Ohio State standout, has announced he plans to be part of the Alliance of American Football, a new league set to begin play early next year.

Area standouts Nick Mangold (Alter) and Trent Cole (Xenia) officially retired in the past year while would-be rookies Sean Welsh (Springboro) and Mike McCray II both opted not to pursue pro careers after going through the draft process in the spring.